The Search for a New Speaker

To the ACEC Community,

Yesterday evening, the House of Representatives voted to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This “motion to vacate” was led by an extreme faction within the Republican conference and supported by House Democrats. McCarthy is the first ever House leader to have his gavel taken away – marking another entry in what is becoming a long list of dubious “firsts” in our recent political history.

With McCarthy’s ouster, legislative action in the House of Representatives will be put on hold until a new Speaker is elected. House Rules do allow for a temporary speaker while Republicans and Democrats meet to discuss next steps. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has been designated Speaker Pro Tem until a vote is held. Under House Rules, McCarthy was required after assuming the gavel in January to submit a list of members to serve as Speaker should the office come vacant. McHenry topped that list.

At present the race to succeed McCarthy seems to focus on Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH). Scalise was severely wounded in the 2017 shooting at the House Republican baseball practice, and he was diagnosed this summer with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. Concerns have been raised within the Republican conference about Scalise’s physical ability to handle the grueling responsibilities of the Speakership, but he will be a strong candidate and is actively seeking support from the Republican Conference. Jordan is the former Chair of the Freedom Caucus in the House and an ally of former President Trump, receiving 20 votes during one round of the marathon 15-round Speaker vote in January. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) could be a strong contender if Scalise bows out, having chaired the House Republican campaign committee for the past two election cycles, and other names that have been mentioned are Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).

On the Democratic side of the aisle, House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffries is certain to be their candidate for the office. It’s worth noting that Jeffries received more votes than McCarthy in 11 rounds of voting in January.

House Republicans are planning to hold a candidate forum Tuesday, October 11^th, with votes on the new Speaker scheduled to begin on Wednesday the 12th. Our Advocacy team is watching very closely and will keep you apprised of any new developments.

There is an ancient curse that says, “May you live in interesting times.” Times in Washington are interesting, indeed. The ever-changing environment in Congress makes it even more timely to hear from Neil Bradley, the U.S. Chamber’s Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, who will speak to our Fall Conference attendees on Monday, October 16. Neil will offer his impressions on the state of play in Washington as we head into the thick of the 2024 presidential race and will be certain to have a lot to say about the palace intrigue on the Hill. If you were on the fence about registering for the event, now is the time to get your ticket.

Have a great week,